The truck driver charged in the deadly car crash which left comedian Tracy Morgan fighting for his life had not slept in more than 24 hours at the time of Saturday's (07Jun14) horrific accident, according to prosecutors. Kevin Roper, a 35-year-old driver for U.S. superstore Wal-Mart, has been charged with one count of death by auto and four of assault by auto after allegedly rear-ending the limo bus Morgan had been travelling in.
Four other cars were also caught up in the New Jersey pile-up, which killed Morgan's comedy writer friend James 'Jimmy Mack' McNair. The 30 Rock star was left in a critical condition after suffering injuries including a broken leg, a broken nose and several broken ribs, while his assistant Jeff Millea and fellow funnyman Ardie Fuqua were also hospitalised.
Authorities have since revealed Georgia resident Roper had been driving "without having slept for a period in excess of 24 hours".
A criminal complaint obtained by People.com reveals Roper had apparently failed to slow for traffic as he drove down the New Jersey Turnpike, and had to swerve at the last-minute to avoid a crash. Instead, his truck collided into the back of Morgan's limo bus.
Roper, who is currently free on $50,000 (£31,250) bail, is due in court to face the charges on Wednesday (11Jun14).
Meanwhile, Wal-Mart president and CEO Bill Simon has vowed to take full responsibility for the crash, calling road safety "our absolute highest priority."
In a statement issued on Saturday (07Jun14), he added, "This is a tragedy and we are profoundly sorry that one of our trucks was involved. We are working quickly to understand what happened and are cooperating fully with law enforcement to aid their investigation."
Morgan remains in intensive care after undergoing surgery on his broken leg on Sunday (08Jun14), when his representative described his condition as being "more responsive".

The driver of Tracy Morgan's limousine has spoken of his horror at seeing his passengers trapped in the twisted wreck after the devastating crash which left the comedian fighting for his life.
The 30 Rock star was travelling in a limo bus on his way home from a stand-up show in the early hours of Saturday morning (07Jun14), when the vehicle collided with a truck and overturned. Morgan's comedy writer friend James 'Jimmy Mack' McNair died in the accident, and the comedian was admitted to hospital in a critical condition after suffering numerous injuries including a broken leg, a broken nose and several broken ribs.
The driver of the limo, chauffeur Tyrone Gale, has now opened up about the horrific accident, revealing he attempted to help his passengers in the upturned vehicle, but struggled to reach them in the chaos. He tells the New York Daily News, "I climbed around and heard Tracy screaming for help. I climbed up on the body of the limo bus... but I couldn't reach them... I just remember the impact. We didn't know which way was up, which way was down. I don't know if we flipped several times or one time. I saw the condition of everybody, and I knew it would just make it worse if I tried to pull them up and out of the vehicle."
Harris Stanton, another comic who was travelling in the limo, suffered a broken wrist in the crash, and admits he feels lucky to be alive. He adds, "I didn't get hurt as bad as they did. I was lucky... It's (McNair's death) sad. It's very sad." Morgan underwent surgery on his broken leg on Sunday (08Jun14) and is expected to spend several weeks in hospital as he recovers from his injuries.

Comedian Tracy Morgan has undergone surgery on his broken leg after he was involved in an horrific car crash in New Jersey on Saturday (07Jun14). The 30 Rock star suffered a broken femur, a broken nose and several broken ribs when the limo bus he was travelling in was rear-ended by a truck, and flipped.
Four other vehicles were also involved in the accident, which cost Morgan's comedy writer pal James 'Jimmy Mack' McNair his life, and left Morgan, his assistant Jeff Millea and fellow funnyman Ardie Fuqua in critical condition. Another passenger is said to be in fair condition.
Morgan headed into the operating room on Sunday (08Jun14) to have surgery on his injured leg and he is currently in recovery.
He remains in intensive care, but his representative tells TMZ.com the 45 year old is gradually becoming more responsive.
The spokesperson adds, "His family is tremendously overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from his fans."
The actor, who is facing a long recovery period, was on his way home after performing a stand-up gig with Fuqua in Delaware on Friday night (06Jun14).
Truck driver Kevin Roper has since been charged with one count of death by auto and four charges of assault by auto. He was booked and released on $50,000 (£31,250) bail on Saturday night.

"It's terrifying, and my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. We all hope he makes it through. It's awful. We're just holding our breath." Funnyman Andy Samberg is keeping his former Saturday Night Live co-star Tracy Morgan in his thoughts after he was involved in an horrific car accident in New Jersey on Saturday (07Jun14). Morgan remains hospitalised in critical condition.

"Thinking about Tracey Morgan (sic) and his family...hold your head up bruv (sic)." Actor Idris Elba sends his best wishes to comedian Tracy Morgan, who is in critical condition following a multi-car accident on Saturday (07Jun14).

A truck driver involved in a car crash which left comedian Tracy Morgan fighting for his life has been charged with causing death by auto and four counts of assault. Kevin Roper, who was behind the wheel of the tractor trailer which reportedly collided with the back of Morgan's vehicle during a horrific six-vehicle pile-up, has been charged.
The 30 Rock star was travelling back to his New Jersey home in the early hours of Saturday (07Jun14) after a stand-up performance in Delaware when his limo bus was rear-ended and overturned.
Morgan remains in a critical condition in a New Jersey hospital, but his comedy writer friend James McNair was killed in the accident. Two other motorists are also in intensive care, including Morgan's assistant Jeff Millea, while a third is reportedly in a 'fair' condition.
Roper's bail has been set at $50,000 (£31,250).
New Jersey State Police say two tractor trailers, two cars and one SUV (sports utility vehicle) were involved in the fatal accident, but the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Comedian Tracy Morgan is receiving "excellent care" from doctors at a New Jersey hospital, but remains in critical condition following a fatal car crash early on Saturday morning (07Jun14), according to the star's representative. The 30 Rock actor, 45, was a passenger in a limo bus which was involved in a six-vehicle pile-up in Cranbury as he made his way back to his New Jersey home following a stand-up gig in Dover, Delaware on Friday night (06Jun14).
Authorities have confirmed that Morgan's comedy writer, James McNair, a passenger onboard the luxury vehicle, died in the accident, while three others, including the actor and his assistant Jeff Millea, are in intensive care and one person is in fair condition.
A statement issued by his representative reads: "Tracy remains in critical condition at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital. He sustained these injuries in an accident that occurred early this morning as one of several passengers in a chauffeured SUV returning from a tour date in Delaware.
"His family is now with him and he is receiving excellent care. We don't anticipate much of a change in his condition today but will provide a further update once more information becomes available."
New Jersey State Police reveal two tractor trailers, two cars and one SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) were involved in the horrific accident, although the cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Meanwhile, a host of celebrities have taken to Twitter.com to share their prayers for the actor.
His 30 Rock co-star Alec Baldwin retweeted one fan's message of condolence, and simply added the hashtag "PrayForTracyMorgan", while actress Sarah Michelle Gellar writes, "@RealTracyMorgan My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please get well soon."
Funnywoman Roseanne Barr posts, "Tracy Morgan is a comic genius and I hope he will recover from the injuries received in a car crash! We love U Tracy (sic)!!", and his fellow Saturday Night Live alum Rachel Dratch tweets, "Shocked to wake up and read that @RealTracyMorgan is injured. Love to Tracy and wishing him strength."
Singer Mary J. Blige writes, "I send angels and prayers to Tracy Morgan. Pls (please) hang in there", and hip-hop star Questlove adds, "Strength & Speedy Recovery to @RealTracyMorgan who survived a massive car crash this morn (sic).".
Comedians Mike Epps and Eddie Griffin, director Jon Favreau, rapper Raekwon and actresses Alyssa Milano and Chloe Grace Moretz have also sent their well wishes to Morgan.

Actor Tracy Morgan is in a critical condition in hospital following a fatal car crash in New Jersey in the early hours of Saturday morning (07Jun14). The 30 Rock star was among those injured in a horrific accident involving a number of vehicles, according to NBC10.com.
The news outlet reports Morgan is in a critical condition in an intensive care unit at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
New Jersey State Police spokesman Gregory William has confirmed one victim was killed in the crash, which is said to have occurred when a limo bus overturned. Reports suggest Morgan was among the passengers in the luxury vehicle.
The star is believed to have been travelling back to his home in New Jersey following a show at the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Delaware.

MCA via Everett Collection
To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar was ahead of its time. Audiences can easily take for granted the immense importance of this film. It’s a high profile film in the 1990s that features three high profile actors, Patrick Swayze, John Leguizamo, and Wesley Snipes playing gay men. Granted, they spend 99 percent of the movie in drag, but the film is monumental for the community. There’s wider acceptance of the gay community, appreciation for the art form of drag due to RuPaul’s Drag Race, and education about the clear distinctions between drag performers and trans women. But in 1995 this wasn’t the case. Sadly, this film is considered more of a cult classic than a major motion picture. All the same, the film is hilarious, quotable, and politically responsible. Here are some fun facts about the film:
Wesley Snipes and Jennifer Garner got to second base with the same man.Before he found success on Alias, Garner’s ex Michael Vartan had a major role in this film. In one scene, he antagonizes the ladies and Snipes grabs his privates and drags him by his member for an extended period of time.
Queen of 30 Rock You might think that Tracy Morgan and Snipes look equally bad in drag, but the real connection is Kathy Geiss. The nonverbal, unicorn loving CEO of GE was played by Marceline Hugot. She plays Katina one of the town’s residents in the film.
One Degree from Mindy Kaling As great as it would be to imagine Kaling playing a character named Noxema Jackson, the real connection is Beth Grant who plays The Mindy Project’s irate nurse Beverly also played irate townsperson Loretta.
Catwoman Connection Not only did the three leads all star with notable Catwoman Newmar in this film, all three have also starred with the most infamous Catwoman Halle Berry. Leguizamo in Executive Decision, Swayze in Father Hood, and Snipes in Jungle Fever. Snipes even dated Berry.
Start Your Engines, May the Best Woman Live Leguizamo has not been shy about his major friction with the late Swayze on set. Swayze was method and Leguizamo was improvising and making jokes to get more screen time. He says the two physically got into a fight until it was broken up by production. ChiChi, you in danger, girl!
A Cavalcade of Drag Stars This film was one of the first major motion pictures about drag. It gave early acting credits to RuPaul, Lady Bunny, Coco Peru, Laritza Dumount, and Flotilla DeBarge. It also was a major credit for the first transwoman on television Candis Cayne. Talk about helping to define the stars of tomorrow.
Work it Out! David Barton the founder of the popular New York City gym franchise has an early role as a muscle boy.
Drag is Leguizamo’s Bread and Butta’ By the time he did To Wong Foo, Leguizamo had already becoming accustomed to acting in drag. He played female roles in his one-man shows Mambo Mouth, Spic-O-Rama, and on his Fox series House of Buggin’.
Robin Williams: The Drag Years Although uncredited with his hilarious cameo, this film is sandwiched between Williams other two drag movies. In 1993, he gave old lady realness in Mrs. Doubtfire. In 1996, he played husband to a drag performer in The Birdcage.
Thanks for Everything, Carol Lynley! Before the producers secured the rights to Newmar’s name their alternate actress for the iconic photo that inspired the queens was Fantasy Island star Lynley. It doesn’t have the same ring to it, and she isn’t quite as statuesque.
It all goes back to Chinese Food. The name of the film was taken from a photo at a Times Square Chinese Restaurant that was later seen in the film where the ladies find the photo.
Curse of Wong Foo? Both Mel Gibson and Gary Oldman were in talks to potentially play drag queens in the film.
Is that a corn cob in your pocket, ma’am? Swayze surprised Chris Penn during the scene where he discovers Vida Boheme is a man. He hid a corn cob in his dress. Way to commit.

ABC Television Network
Lindsay Lohan has had multiple run-ins with the law but has served significant time only in rehab. Like Lohan, Paris Hilton walked in and out of prison. Directors Roman Polanski and Woody Allen have had questionable sex scandals and faced no jail time. Even O.J. Simpson was tried for murder and acquitted but then declared guilty in a civil trial. It’s unclear whether the court of justice gets interrupted by the court of public opinion, the legal system is not prepared to handle high profile inmates, or if justice can be effectively carried out with such high profile figures. So does the burden fall on Hollywood to police its own?
Shh! It’s a Secret
One challenge to Hollywood policing its celebrities is that they have high powered lawyers and are very litigious. How can journalists report on crimes if they are subject to high profile lawsuits? Also, if you’re rich enough you may have a built in network of alibis and accomplices. It’s easy to have "friends" (or paid-off bouncers) take the rap, or to have people in your employ sign non-disclosure agreements. But having inequitable legal protection does not allow celebrities to be above the law. Stars like Lindsay Lohan may not serve jail time, but judging from her reality show, the time incarcerated may have served her well. With so many celebrities dying of drug related deaths does this behavior not warrant some sort of action?
Bad Behavior
The NBA has banned Donald Sterling for life for inflammatory statements he made about minorities. Paula Deen was let go from The Food Network and lost many endorsements because of things she said. But what about the things actors and performers say that get out. During stand-up performances, Tracy Morgan said if his son was gay he would kill him, and Michael Richards used the N-word. Lest we forget the many inflammatory comments by Mel Gibson and Alec Baldwin. And yet, no one is around to fine, ban, or police them.
Shonda Rhimes: Avenger
One of the few showbiz figures policing her stars seems to be Shonda Rhimes. Columbus Short, star of Scandal, has been let go by ABC amid allegations of spousal abuse. It’s sad to lose such a vital character on the show but there are some things you just can’t abide. He may be able to get away without having to do prison time but he shouldn’t appear on a national television show, with major notoriety, about a Washington power player that is a woman. It’s unclear whether it is Rhimes or ABC that removed Short, but Rhimes does have a long history of keeping her actors in line. When Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington engaged in a major physical altercation, used a gay slur, and outed an actor derisively, he was let go from the show. Now this may also be a case of responding to a public outcry but it was a decision based on outrage by the cast, crew, and creators. Regardless of whether it is ABC or Rhimes making the order, letting these actors go sends a clear message: this behavior is not permissible. Look at a show like Two and a Half Men, which kept Charlie Sheen on until his public face became too much to handle. The show was a cash cow but could have afforded to let Sheen go earlier. Clearly, he has issues with drugs and his own hubris. He didn’t start out at rock bottom and had the show intervened earlier his career might have been saved.
No one is above the law but it seems like actors and Hollywood types will not realize until they lose everything. The one lesson from Lohan’s OWN show Lindsay is that you can get yourself ejected from Hollywood for bad behavior. The trip back is an uphill climb. There’s tons of talented actors and directors, beautiful models, and enjoyable comedians… but you only get a few chances.

Summary

During his seven years on "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975- ), actor and stand-up comedian Tracy Morgan rose to fame playing several memorable characters, including Astronaut Jones, a retro lounge-singing space traveler infatuated with female aliens, and impersonating Mike Tyson, Star Jones and Busta Rhymes. A fearless comic who was always performing whether or not cameras were rolling, Morgan earned a reputation for outrageous behavior, while problems with alcohol led to a career dip following his departure from "SNL." The failure of his own family sitcom, "The Tracy Morgan Show" (NBC, 2003-04), only cast a deeper shadow on his young, promising career. But he continued doing stand-up and was tapped for supporting roles in features like "Head of State" (2003) and "The Little Man" (2005). Thanks to fellow "SNL" castmate Tina Fey who had long recognized his comic brilliance, Morgan rebounded professionally when he landed the role of a lifetime, joining the ensemble cast of her Emmy-winning sitcom, "30 Rock" (NBC, 2006-2013). Morgan shined as Tracy Jordan, the impulsive, demanding star of a late-night sketch comedy show-within-a-show whose dramas often mirrored the actor's offscreen life. The series' critical success reignited his career, leading to Morgan appearing in big screen comedies and voicing character's in animated films, where audiences continued to love his unpredictable, loose cannon persona.

Married high school sweetheart in 1985; Separated in 2001; filed for divorce in August 2009

Jimmy Morgan

Father

Vietnam veteran; Died in 1987

Gitrid Morgan

Son

Born c. 1991; mother, Sabina Morgan

Malcolm Morgan

Son

Born c. 1987; mother, Sabina Morgan

Tracy Morgan

Son

Born c. 1986; mother, Sabina Morgan

Megan Wollover

Companion

Engaged in April 2011

Education

Name

De Witt Clinton High School

Notes

In 1996, Morgan was diagnosed with diabetes, but did not take medication or change his diet until after getting sick years later while on the set of "30 Rock" (NBC).

On Dec. 2, 2005, Morgan was arrested in Hollywood, CA on impaired driving charges after police stopped him for speeding. In February 2006, Morgan pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge and was sentenced to 36 months' probation, fined $390 and ordered to attend an alcohol education program.

Morgan was arrested Nov. 28, 2006 in Upper Manhattan on drunken driving charges. He was arraigned on charges of driving while intoxicated and driving while impaired. In February 2007, Morgan pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drunken driving charge. The judge ordered for him to enter a doctor-supervised alcohol program, do a period of community service, and avoid being arrested again within the next six months. Morgan was also fined $1,000 and his driver's license was suspended for six months.

"You won't find anyone who's more eager, willing and ready to step into the spotlight. He's spent the last 10 to 12 years ready for this moment, for his close-up. Everything is coming up Tracy. He brings such an insane enthusiasm. He's one of the most brilliant ad-libbers on the planet. Tracy is this amazing comedic weapon that you turn on and step away and turn the camera on." – director Kevin Smith on Morgan, from USA Today, July 24, 2009

In January 2012, Morgan was rushed to a hospital after the actor fell unconscious at an award ceremony during the Sundance Film Festival. A spokeswoman for Park City Medical Center said no drugs or alcohol were found in Morgan's system upon medical evaluation. The actor's rep released a statement explaining the collapse was due to a combination of exhaustion and altitude.